Pilgrimage In Jammu & Kashmir
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Hazratbal
Shrine
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The most important muslim shrine
of Kashmir, that commands the reverence of the people
beyond measure,is undoubetedly the Hazratbal Shrine,
which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal
Lake in Srinagar This unmatched reverence is anchored
in the love and respect for the Prophet. Mohammad (peace
be upon him), whose Moi-e-Muqqadus, (the sacred hair)
is preserves here.
The shrine is
known by many names including Hazratbal, Assar-e-Sharief,
Madinat-us-Sani, Dargah Sharief & Dargah.
The history of
the shrine goes back to the early seventeenth century
when the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's Subedar, Sadiq Khan,
laid out a garden here & constructed a palacial building,
Ishrat Mahal or Pleasure House in 1623. However, the Emperor,
during his visit in 1634, ordered the building to be converted
into a prayer House with some additions & alterations.
During the time of Aurangzeb, when MOI-e-Muqqadus arrived
in Kashmir in 1699, it was first kept in the shrine of
Naqashbad Sahib in the heart of the city. Since the place
was found to be insufficient in view of the unprecedented
rush of people who thronged the place to have a glimpse
of the Moi-e-Muqqades, it was decided to shift the it
to Hazratbal, then known as Sadiqabad. The construction
of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim
Auqaf Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968
and completed in 1979. The Moi-e-Muqqadas is displayed
on Various occassions related with the life of Prophet
& his four holy companions.
How to Reach
Hazratbal lies in Srinagar District and the nearest Airport
is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is
connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail
Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there
National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with
India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from
Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10
to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses
some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking
Kashmir Valley with India. Regular transport is available
from various points in the Srinagar city with nominal
charges. Route from Dal Lake can also be undertaken.
